Medical connector

Abstract

Disclosed is a connector for introducing medication into a patient in a safe, convenient way. It comprises a pair of plastic tubular members adapted to be manually pushed together to engage in a male-female relationship, and a locking mechanism that detachably secures the members together. The male member has a sealed entry port at its end, and the female member safely houses within it a needle which centrally pierces the seal of the port upon engagement of the members. Preferably, the locking mechanism provides a "click" sound when it locks the members together.

We claim: 
     
       1. A medical connector for selectively transferring a fluid from one location to another, said connector comprising: a first connector member having a proximal end;   a resilient, pre-slit resealable septum positioned at said proximal end of said first connector member, said septum presenting a flat, swabbable outer surface;   a second connector member for connection to said first connector member for establishing a fluid flow between said members, said second connector member having a body with a hollow proximal end, said body adapted for extension over said proximal end of said first connector member, and a hollow tube, said hollow tube connected to said body, said hollow tube having a free end positioned within said hollow proximal end of said body, whereby said end of said hollow tube is recessed within said proximal end of said body, and whereby when said body is extended over said proximal end of said first connector member, said hollow tube penetrates said septum.   
     
     
       2. The medical connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein said body is generally cylindrical in shape. 
     
     
       3. The medical connector in accordance with claim 1, wherein said hollow tube has a second end in communication with a fluid line extending from said second connector member. 
     
     
       4. The medical connector in accordance with claim 1, further including means for selectively locking said first connector member to said second connector member in a position in which said hollow tube extends through said septum. 
     
     
       5. A two-piece medical connector for selectively establishing flow of medication, comprising: a port member, said member having an end with a resilient, pre-slit resealable and swabbable septum extending there across; and   an engaging member for selective engagement with said port, said engaging member having a body defining a hollow chamber, said body having an end with an opening therein leading to said chamber, a hollow tube having a free end, said hollow tube extending from said body such that said free end of said hollow tube is positioned in said chamber, said opening sized so that said body may be selectively extended over said port member, whereby said hollow tube penetrates said septum for establishing a flow of medication between said engaging member and said port, and wherein said septum raseals when said hollow tube is removed.   
     
     
       6. The medical connector in accordance with claim 5, wherein said engaging member has a fluid line extending therefrom, said fluid line in communication with a passage extending through said hollow tube from said free end of said hollow tube. 
     
     
       7. The medical connector in accordance with claim 5, wherein said port member has a chamber positioned distal of said septum and a fluid line extending in communication with said chamber.